Kathleen McGuire

Director, finance and capital markets, Invenergy LLC

Age: 36

Boyfriend: Dave Bannister 

Reasons she is a Forty: She is driven in her professional role to continue the growth of renewable energy across the globe. She serves on the executive committee of the Young Women’s Resource Center as the treasurer and finance chair. She volunteers as a book buddy at Oak Academy.  

What are your goals in your role at your company? As a director on the finance and capital markets team, my goals relate to raising equity and debt financing to fund the continued growth of Invenergy’s pipeline so we can continue to develop, construct and operate more renewable energy sources.  

What are your goals for your community involvement? I serve on the executive committee of the Young Women’s Resource Center as the treasurer, and I’m working with the board and staff on their strategic plan, including financial needs, so the center can continue to serve more young women, girls and those that identify as female in the Des Moines community.

What's your biggest passion, and why? I want women and girls to experience the support, love and mentorship that I have been privileged enough to have in my life. I know that I am where I am today because of that support, and I want to share that with as many women and girls as I can.

What is it that drives you? I have seen the impact that strong female leaders can have on a community, and I’ve always envisioned myself doing the same. When I found my passion for finance I knew I could use that passion beyond the workplace to help my community thrive.

What are your future aspirations? My aspiration for the future is to continue to learn and grow in both my professional and personal life and use what I have learned to better serve my employer, nonprofits and the community.

Three hobbies: Reading, golfing, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Creighton Bluejays.

Fun fact: She is the proud oldest sister of seven siblings so she has been to many recitals, games, graduations and birthday dinners, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

One word to describe you: Analytical.

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? As the Des Moines metro continues to develop new, trendy neighborhoods, we also need to continue to focus on developing safe, affordable housing so all Des Moines residents can thrive.

What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional? Practice, practice, practice! Just like with sports, you have to practice the skills you want to improve in your professional career.  

What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address? Central Iowa leaders need to continue to focus on increasing women in leadership positions across for-profit, nonprofit and government organizations. Gender parity has been shown to bring a wealth of benefits, which would only continue the incredible growth Central Iowa is experiencing.